The English Faculty

The overriding aim of the English curriculum is to foster a love of literature and specifically to develop to the full our students’ ability to use the English language in a wide range of contexts and situations. We strive to ensure students are aware that the skills developed in English lessons have a vital contribution to their work across the whole curriculum and to life outside school, including the workplace. Through the shared experience of reading a wide range of literary and non-fiction and media texts, we aim to stimulate a sense of personal and social awareness and an ability to empathise with others. We place a strong emphasis on challenge and have high expectations of all our students. 

At Key Stage 3 students are consistently challenged to reflect on literature and language. In each year students study a novel, a range of poetry, drama and non-fiction texts. This has a focus on exploring and evaluating the ideas of these texts, as well as providing creative opportunities for extended writing.  We aim to provide a diverse range of texts to study, encompassing a broad range of ideas and viewpoints. We also provide enrichment opportunities for students, including poetry workshops and theatre visits. 

At Key Stage 4 we currently offer Eduqas English Language, AQA English Literature and Eduqas Film Studies. The breadth of this offer allows us to tailor our GCSE pathways to our students’ needs and abilities. At Key Stage 5 we follow OCR Syllabus B for English Literature. We also offer Eduqas A Level Film Studies. 

Schemes of work accompany all units and these are updated regularly, teachers are encouraged to use and develop these resources so that they become a shared and consistent approach to English. Students receive targets and at the start of each academic year. All students undertake assessments each half term which allow teachers monitor progress.

Students have three hours of English each week at Key Stage 3 and eight every fortnight at Key Stage 4. At Key Stage 5 students have nine hours per fortnight. Classes are mostly taught in mixed ability groups. Uptake at A Level is very strong, with two large English Literature groups and one large Film group in each year. 

The staff are committed and experienced and are happy to share expertise and support each other.  Full time teachers have a classroom where most of their lessons are delivered.  There is a shared English Office where each teacher has their own work station.